North East council job losses: statement

Councils in the North East have cut nearly 8000 jobs in the two years since the Comprehensive Spending Review, when the Chancellor outlined what savings needed to be made in the public sector budgets. The Department for Communities and Local Government released a statement responding to the figures.

"Funding is being directed to where it is needed most so councils can protect the front-line services people rely on, shield the most vulnerable places, safeguard the most vulnerable people, and protect taxpayers' interests.

Given that councils account for a quarter of all public spending, it is vital they play their part in tackling the budget deficit the Government inherited."